The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1887-08-20

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his own recklessness. But Stumpy was
''squar'."
Il was during the strike of the street
railroad men in New York City, not
very many months ago, that Stumpy
and his ''squarness" were forced to
undergo the hardest kind Of test.
Without discussing the merits or
causes of the strike or the labor ques-
ton. one thing is certain-in this, as in
all popular uprisings, there were many
lawless characters among and about the
crowd of excited strikers-men who
neither labored or cared for labor, but
were keen for plumber. violence, or any
advantage to themselves.
On Third avenue was the battle
ground of the strikers and the railway
corporation. These were anxious times
to all employers. Those of Thomas T.
R. were busy as usual. or even more
busy than usual, in their respective de-
partments in and out of the factory.
leaving to my friend the entire control
of the books and Office.
It was about the close of bank hours
on q certain day, money was wanted to
pay some of the hands who had been
employed upon piece work. Thomas
T. r remembered this later than he
should have done. He sent for one of
the firm or suitable representative to
relieve him while he went to draw the
money; none could be found. He was
in q dilemma.
Then he remembered Stumpy. He
had trusted the boy before-why not
againp Stumpy was within hail and
was hailed-a check was given him,
with money for car fare. and he was
ordered to 60 to the bank and return
with the money as quickly as possible.
Stumpy reached the bank. drew the
money, came out from the institution,
grasping good-sized bag containing
notes and silver in his hand, and looked
for the cars. There were none in sight.
He started to the nearest station on the
L. road. As he crossed the first side
street roar reached his ears, . mob
that was rushing. turning into the ave-
nue.. overwhelmed him; he fell, and the
''chink" of the silver in the bag as it
struck the pavement attracted the at
tention of several of the outlaws who
were in the throng; one reached for the
prize. but Stumpy thrust it under his
rough and strong jacket, and contrived
to button it there, and laid down upon
his face and kicked and yelled. and.
have not the least doubt, swore like
seven Malay pirates on . spree. He
was jerked up and thrown down and
kicked and beat and manled most UNI
mercifully. that boy was; and bruised
and battered and pounded, and almost
torn limb from limb. but still he kept
that tough coat Of his buttoned about
the treasure that had been entrusted to
him, and he so wriggled and squirmed
and gained an inch here and there that
by the time the police in force charged
upon and drove the rioters, Stumpy,
after being trampled upon by both par
ties, managed to crawl into an open
doorway.
Thomas T. R. had looked at his watch
a dozen times. he had wondered ''what
in the world" could be keeping that
boy, and he was most anxiously watch
ing from the Office window for the re-
appearance of his messenger, when
lad, whose face and hands did not
speak Of extravaganza in use of soap
and water, and whose garments would
have been better for application Of
needles and thread, rushed breathlessly
up the steps and into the door.
''Say. mister! Yer Teller, yer boy
Stumpy, yer knows; well he's a-layin'
down yer in q hallway, low Fif seven
street, an de strikers and de cops
t'gedder has busted him wide open, an
I were dom ter see de muss, an he
SEN me fur you, an yer better hurry,
fur blamed eff don't b'lief he's agoin
fur ter die" and the youngster rubbed
his dirty knuckles into his eyes.
Thomas T. r closed the Office and
put the key in his pocket, regardless of
consequences He went with the dirty
messenger, faster than his feet ever car
ried him before. He found Stumpy in
sad condition indeed, curled up be-
hind a door in hallway. sitting his
groans SO Is not to attract attention.
the disturbed condition Of the street
having saved him from the notice of the
police.
my poor boy" said my friend, ''are
you very badly hurte'
I'm hurried purity bad. mister" said
Stumpy. but dar," and q smile broke
over his horribly battered features. "but
dar's all yer cash, boss. safe an SCUM.
I'm squar man. boss, I'm SONAR"
Then Stumpy tainted. When he walked
mn he WAS in A hOsuital l,pd a ynasa ri